Monday, August 3, 2015

Dangerous Rat-Borne Diseases

If
you have a rat infestation, you risk more than an annoying inconvenience and
having the contents of your pantry chewed up. Wild rats are creatures that
often carry diseases that can be harmful to your family or pets.

Here
are a few of the most common diseases rats can carry and the health risks they
pose to humans:

Bubonic plague – Yes, this
notorious disease from the Middle Ages is still around. Originally carried
by fleas that bite the rats, this disease can pass to humans who have
contact with infected rodents. Fortunately, there are treatments today
that can prevent another Black Death epidemic.

Hantavirus – This virus can be
transmitted through the inhalation of dust containing contaminated urine
or dropping particles, direct contact with rat waste or a rat bite. The
disease resembles the flu at first, but can quickly result in serious
breathing difficulties.

Leptospirosis – This is a disease
transmitted by coming into contact with rat urine or feces. Inhalation of
dropping particles may also transmit the illness. It can cause liver and
kidney damage or failure and cardiovascular issues.

Lymphocytic choriomeningitis –
The virus LCMV is present in rats' saliva and urine, and is transmitted to
humans through this contact. The effects in humans may range from
temporary illness to long-term complications.

Salmonellosis – This is a
bacteria spread by rat feces. It is spread to humans by contaminated water
or food.

If
you notice signs of a rat infestation, such as droppings, chewed food or
baseboards or seeing rats around your property, contact a professional
exterminator right away. For more information on rat extermination in La Mesa, visit this site.